Founded in 1863 as Robert College, Boğaziçi University, often abbreviated as BU, stands as the inaugural American higher education institution established beyond U.S. borders. Renowned as Turkey's preeminent public research university, it consistently secures a position among the top 200 universities globally. Unique in this achievement, BU is the sole Turkish university to maintain such a prominent international ranking.
Living Options:
Boğaziçi offers various dormitories, with Superdorm being the exclusive residence for international students. Although relatively new and equipped with amenities like an in-house market, cafeteria, laundry, and daily cleaning services, its higher cost leads many full-time students to seek alternative housing. Despite its somewhat stringent rules— theoretically prohibiting smoking, alcohol, and late-night visitors— enforcement remains largely theoretical. Approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the central campus, Superdorm provides a reliable on-campus option in terms of accessibility, safety, and convenience for most international students.
While off-campus living is prevalent in neighborhoods like Rumeli Hisarüstü and Etiler, some students also opt for apartments in the vicinity. Shared by a mix of international and Turkish students, these options are easily found through online platforms like Facebook groups and Craigslist. Boğaziçi’s Erasmus Exchange Network (ESN) Facebook page serves as a valuable starting point for housing inquiries. Rent varies from 500-1000 TL per month per room, excluding utilities, often featuring furnished or semi-furnished living spaces. These neighborhoods, filled with students and university-affiliated families, offer a casual and generally quiet atmosphere.
Campus:
Boğaziçi technically comprises six campuses, primarily concentrated in the Rumeli Hisarüstü area. The campuses—North, South, Hisar, and Uçak Savar—are within walking distance of one another, connected by a somewhat congested shuttle service.
The South Campus, the school's historical heart, boasts a picturesque quad where students gather, play sports, and occasionally neglect their academic responsibilities. Offering Instagram-worthy views of the Bosphorus, South Campus features access to the waterfront and the charming Bebek neighborhood. The campus hosts a cafeteria, take-out canteens, snack shops, club and sports committees, faculty offices, and the international students office.
For classes not on the South Campus, students find themselves on the North Campus. Connected by entrances across the street, North Campus features concrete-heavy architecture, a cafeteria with extended hours, the library, and Boğaziçi’s student-run cinema, SineBu. The Hisar Campus, the most secluded, houses select faculties like computer science and business, along with a full-service pool and gym. The Uçak Savar Campus, renowned for the Superdorm and adjacent sports facilities, includes a small weight room, a performing arts center, and a track.
Boğaziçi also operates two satellite campuses: Kilyos on the Black Sea (housing the English prep program) and Kandilli on the Asian side of Istanbul. While unlikely for international students to frequent these campuses, shuttle buses provide occasional transportation, with Kilyos hosting seasonal events like concerts and beach parties.
Neighborhoods:
The three main neighborhoods around Boğaziçi are Rumeli Hisarüstü, Bebek, and Etiler. Rumeli Hisarüstü, situated atop a hill overlooking the Bosphorus between the North and South Campuses, is an affordable student-centric area with numerous restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. Bebek, downhill from the South Campus along the strait, offers stunning views, expensive eateries, and occasional ferry services. Etiler, a short walk from Rumeli Hisarüstü, contrasts as an upscale neighborhood with pricier restaurants, specialty stores, and the nearest mall, Akmerkez.
Campus Culture:
Admission to Boğaziçi is highly competitive for Turkish students, with some contending that wealthier backgrounds are prevalent due to the testing system and tutoring advantages. Despite this, public university status ensures diverse student support through scholarships and quotas. The campus ambiance is generally relaxed, with increased security in recent years. Stray cats and dogs, cared for by the community, add a unique charm to the campus environment.
Food:
Boğaziçi offers various on-campus dining options, including affordable canteens and dining halls on the North and South Campuses. Additionally, the surrounding neighborhoods provide diverse food choices. Rumeli Hisarüstü features home-style, kebab, and fast-food establishments, while Bebek and Etiler offer more expensive international options. Notably, Bebek is renowned for its waffles, often enjoyed with scenic views.
Transportation:
Navigating around Boğaziçi is facilitated by the Boğaziçi metro stop, connecting to Levant and Taksim within 30 minutes. The primary bus along Rumeli Hisarüstü, the 559C, links Boğaziçi to Taksim and Zincirlikuyu, providing access to the metrobus to Atatürk Airport. Shuttles between campuses are available, although all campuses are walkable.
Services on Campuses:
Boğaziçi offers various facilities, including a gym and pool on the Hisar Campus, a field and weight room on the Uçak Savar Campus, a library on the North Campus, and a study hall on the South Campus. Health services are available on the South Campus, with additional hospitals and pharmacies in nearby neighborhoods.
Language:
While English serves as the language of instruction, Turkish is prevalent in campus activities and services. Non-teaching staff may have limited English proficiency, emphasizing the value of some knowledge of Turkish.
Living Options:
Boğaziçi offers various dormitories, with Superdorm being the exclusive residence for international students. Although relatively new and equipped with amenities like an in-house market, cafeteria, laundry, and daily cleaning services, its higher cost leads many full-time students to seek alternative housing. Despite its somewhat stringent rules— theoretically prohibiting smoking, alcohol, and late-night visitors— enforcement remains largely theoretical. Approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the central campus, Superdorm provides a reliable on-campus option in terms of accessibility, safety, and convenience for most international students.
While off-campus living is prevalent in neighborhoods like Rumeli Hisarüstü and Etiler, some students also opt for apartments in the vicinity. Shared by a mix of international and Turkish students, these options are easily found through online platforms like Facebook groups and Craigslist. Boğaziçi’s Erasmus Exchange Network (ESN) Facebook page serves as a valuable starting point for housing inquiries. Rent varies from 500-1000 TL per month per room, excluding utilities, often featuring furnished or semi-furnished living spaces. These neighborhoods, filled with students and university-affiliated families, offer a casual and generally quiet atmosphere.
Campus:
Boğaziçi technically comprises six campuses, primarily concentrated in the Rumeli Hisarüstü area. The campuses—North, South, Hisar, and Uçak Savar—are within walking distance of one another, connected by a somewhat congested shuttle service.
The South Campus, the school's historical heart, boasts a picturesque quad where students gather, play sports, and occasionally neglect their academic responsibilities. Offering Instagram-worthy views of the Bosphorus, South Campus features access to the waterfront and the charming Bebek neighborhood. The campus hosts a cafeteria, take-out canteens, snack shops, club and sports committees, faculty offices, and the international students office.
For classes not on the South Campus, students find themselves on the North Campus. Connected by entrances across the street, North Campus features concrete-heavy architecture, a cafeteria with extended hours, the library, and Boğaziçi’s student-run cinema, SineBu. The Hisar Campus, the most secluded, houses select faculties like computer science and business, along with a full-service pool and gym. The Uçak Savar Campus, renowned for the Superdorm and adjacent sports facilities, includes a small weight room, a performing arts center, and a track.
Boğaziçi also operates two satellite campuses: Kilyos on the Black Sea (housing the English prep program) and Kandilli on the Asian side of Istanbul. While unlikely for international students to frequent these campuses, shuttle buses provide occasional transportation, with Kilyos hosting seasonal events like concerts and beach parties.
Neighborhoods:
The three main neighborhoods around Boğaziçi are Rumeli Hisarüstü, Bebek, and Etiler. Rumeli Hisarüstü, situated atop a hill overlooking the Bosphorus between the North and South Campuses, is an affordable student-centric area with numerous restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. Bebek, downhill from the South Campus along the strait, offers stunning views, expensive eateries, and occasional ferry services. Etiler, a short walk from Rumeli Hisarüstü, contrasts as an upscale neighborhood with pricier restaurants, specialty stores, and the nearest mall, Akmerkez.
Campus Culture:
Admission to Boğaziçi is highly competitive for Turkish students, with some contending that wealthier backgrounds are prevalent due to the testing system and tutoring advantages. Despite this, public university status ensures diverse student support through scholarships and quotas. The campus ambiance is generally relaxed, with increased security in recent years. Stray cats and dogs, cared for by the community, add a unique charm to the campus environment.
Food:
Boğaziçi offers various on-campus dining options, including affordable canteens and dining halls on the North and South Campuses. Additionally, the surrounding neighborhoods provide diverse food choices. Rumeli Hisarüstü features home-style, kebab, and fast-food establishments, while Bebek and Etiler offer more expensive international options. Notably, Bebek is renowned for its waffles, often enjoyed with scenic views.
Transportation:
Navigating around Boğaziçi is facilitated by the Boğaziçi metro stop, connecting to Levant and Taksim within 30 minutes. The primary bus along Rumeli Hisarüstü, the 559C, links Boğaziçi to Taksim and Zincirlikuyu, providing access to the metrobus to Atatürk Airport. Shuttles between campuses are available, although all campuses are walkable.
Services on Campuses:
Boğaziçi offers various facilities, including a gym and pool on the Hisar Campus, a field and weight room on the Uçak Savar Campus, a library on the North Campus, and a study hall on the South Campus. Health services are available on the South Campus, with additional hospitals and pharmacies in nearby neighborhoods.
Language:
While English serves as the language of instruction, Turkish is prevalent in campus activities and services. Non-teaching staff may have limited English proficiency, emphasizing the value of some knowledge of Turkish.